The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years. Because the cost of purchasing a new furnace or replacing the components of your existing one is high, it’s reasonable to take precautions to safeguard and prolong the service life of your current furnace. With good care, you can put off investing in a new furnace and have more time to prepare financially. Here are some actions you can take to extend your furnace lifespan.
Ways to Extend the Life of Your Furnace
Here are some tips to help you extend your furnace lifespan:
Get Yearly Furnace Tune-Ups and Maintenance
One of the best things you can do for your heating system is to schedule yearly maintenance and tune-up appointments. A qualified expert will carefully inspect, clean and tighten all the parts of your furnace to ensure everything is operating at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance visits also allow your technician to spot any potential repair issues and address them immediately – before they cause damage to your system or leave you without heat from an untimely breakdown. A well-maintained furnace also operates cost-effectively, saving you money over the long term.
Replace the Filter Frequently
Filters are your furnace’s first line of defence against dust, grime, pollutants, and foreign agents. These intruders can harm the unit by invading the system, preventing airflow to and from the furnace and making it work harder than necessary. Replacing or cleaning the filter every one to two months helps furnaces run smoothly and increase their lifespan.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Furnace life is primarily determined by how hard and long your unit works. A programmable thermostat lessens the burden placed on your furnace. You can set it to automatically lower the temperature when you’re away and increase it when you’re at home. Doing so reduces strain on the unit, increases furnace lifespan and saves you money on heating bills.
Seal and Clean the Ducts
Over time, dust and debris accumulate in the ducts, causing obstructions that lower a furnace’s performance. Duct leaks also make your furnace work harder and longer to keep you warm. One of the ways to enhance your furnace’s efficiency and increase its service life is to prevent dust and debris build-up by sealing duct leaks. Hiring a professional to clean and seal the ducts ensures that your air is clean and your ducts are clear for optimum airflow and efficiency.
Repair Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors are some of the biggest culprits in terms of heat loss. Air leaks allow warm air to escape from the ductwork, making your furnace work harder to maintain the proper temperature in your home. This ultimately causes the system additional wear and tear, which may lead to more frequent failures and significant energy costs.
Our furnace contractors will check the weatherstripping, replace it if it’s cracked or damaged, and ensure that your windows and doors are fully sealed on the inside and outside.
Insulate Your Home
Adequate insulation eases your heater’s workload by eliminating the need to operate constantly. Insulating certain areas in your home, such as your attic, basement and walls, can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house. It also reduces strain on your furnace and prolongs its lifespan.
Are You Looking for an HVAC Expert?
If you’re looking for ways to increase furnace lifespan and efficiency, contact Canada HVAC.
We’re a licensed, bonded, insured HVAC company with over 30 years of industry experience. Our furnace contractors are vetted and certified to install, repair and maintain your furnace.
Call us at 833-226-4822 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
